A new programme of youth work activities has been released for Stewartry area, focussing on groups based in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie and Kirkcudbright it includes the much-awaited return of indoor face to face sessions.
Councillor Andy Ferguson, chair of Communities committee said: “It is great to see these new programmes including the return of indoor youth work, I am sure young people will benefit from the service being able to operate and deliver groups in a way that is more familiar to them and the positive work that is much needed can have a big impact in local communities”.
Featuring a wide range of targeted and universal provision, the groups aim to improve confidence and self esteem of young people, encourage social and emotional development and address wellbeing issues including mental health. Issue based groups return to town hall in Castle Douglas on Tuesday evenings, young people with additional support needs can attend the Peer Project on a Wednesday in Dalbeattie while gender based groupwork takes place in Kirkcudbright on Thursdays. Friday night football makes a return to Dalbeattie as well as new programmes such as Bloom, Creative Conscience and Happy Feet which all have a direct focus on physical and mental wellbeing. Youth workers will continue to be out delivering detached street work with all sessions following strict Covid guidance and are based around local need identified by participants, continuing some of the good work that has been taking place throughout the pandemic as well as introducing some new and innovative projects.
Councillor John Martin, vice chair of Communities committee, said: “These new programmes from the youth work service look very good indeed, I know how much young people value face to face engagement with youth workers so hopefully this can have a positive effect on their lives especially being able to return to indoor settings where they feel safe and valued. We can’t underestimate the importance of these interactions around young people’s wellbeing”.
For further information please go to https://youthwork.dumgal.gov.uk/ follow YouthworkDG on social media or telephone 01387260243.
